‘Loyal wingman’ test: F-35 fighter jet and MQ-20 drone display manned-unmanned teaming

General Atomics said an F-35 on the ground successfully sent autonomy commands to an MQ-20 Avenger in a live teaming demo.

The test used tablet-based control, beyond-line-of-sight links, and TacACE software to coordinate the aircraft and drone.

The demonstration validated communications, autonomy, and integration for future Collaborative Combat Aircraft operations.

It marks a key step toward pairing crewed fighters with loyal-wingman drones for the U.S. Air Force.